The Indian Railways has announced plans to upgrade its Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi trains with improved passenger amenities, better interiors and enhanced comfort across nearly 100 services, with the Railway Board directing all zones to prepare detailed action plans.
An official order dated April 23 said: “To provide improved aesthetics, passenger comfort and service levels at Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi walkways, it is necessary to maintain them in good condition and make upgrades in the elements affecting the passenger interface.”
In a letter to the General Managers of all Railway Zones, the Railway Board directed the Zonal Heads to conduct detailed rake inspections and prepare a comprehensive action plan.
The railway said modernization of about 100 of these services would begin soon after the plans are finalised. The exercise will include improving restrooms, covering doors, engagement locks, wash basins, cleaning systems, passenger amenities and sanitation systems.
The board also asked districts to upgrade seat upholstery and associated passenger amenities such as mobile charging ports, snack tables, footrests, armrests, roller blinds and magazine pockets.
“The anti-seismic system in the coach areas, vestibule and corridors will also be upgraded, along with the overhead panels,” said an official aware of the developments.
“The interiors of the buses, panels and floors inside the buses, areas near washrooms, digital passenger information systems and CCTV cameras are also said to have been improved,” the official added.
According to the order, Indian Railways will also improve the exterior aesthetics of the coaches, window glass and destination board panels.
“The focus is on modernizing the flagship trains and continuing to meet rising expectations in terms of cleanliness, reliability and modern amenities,” a second official said.
“Zonal Railway is advised to conduct detailed audits to identify deficiencies in Shatabdi and Jan Shatabdi graders and prepare a short-term action plan with timelines for rectification and monitoring,” the order dated April 16 said.
